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Rodent Surgery Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

These experiments will be both a part of independent projects lead by this researcher and in ... Rodent surgeries (e.g. ovariectomy and stereotaxic surgery) * Circuit tracing * Calcium and ...

Caltech

Senior Research Associate

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$29.75 - $37.25/hr

This role involves rodent surgery, molecular biology support, shared project ownership, and laboratory safety oversight. The Senior Research Associate will be an integral member of the laboratory ...

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Rodent Surgery Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do rodent surgery researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for rodent surgery researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Rodent Surgery Researcher?

A Rodent Surgery Researcher is a scientific professional who specializes in performing surgical procedures on rodents, such as mice and rats, for biomedical research purposes. These researchers are responsible for designing experiments, conducting surgeries with strict adherence to ethical and regulatory standards, and ensuring the welfare of the animals. Their work supports studies in areas like neuroscience, genetics, pharmacology, and disease modeling. Rodent Surgery Researchers often collaborate with other scientists, maintain detailed records, and may also train others in surgical techniques.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Rodent Surgery Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rodent Surgery Researcher, you need a solid background in animal science or biomedical research, proficiency in aseptic surgical techniques, and often a relevant degree such as a BSc or MSc in a life science field. Familiarity with laboratory animal care protocols, use of surgical instruments, and compliance with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) guidelines are typically required, alongside certifications like ALAT or LAT. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for success in this role. These skills ensure the welfare of research animals, the accuracy of experimental results, and compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by rodent surgery researchers and how are they addressed in a laboratory setting?

Rodent surgery researchers often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict aseptic technique, ensuring precise and reproducible surgical procedures, and minimizing animal stress and post-operative complications. These challenges are addressed through comprehensive training, adherence to detailed protocols, and close collaboration with veterinary staff. Laboratories typically provide regular workshops, access to specialized equipment, and foster a team environment where researchers can share best practices and troubleshoot issues together, ensuring both animal welfare and research integrity.

What is the difference between Rodent Surgery Researcher vs Laboratory Animal Technician?

AspectRodent Surgery ResearcherLaboratory Animal Technician
CredentialsVeterinary or research-related certifications, surgical trainingAnimal care certifications, laboratory animal technician credentials
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, surgical suites, academic institutionsAnimal facilities, research institutions, laboratories
Job FocusPerforming surgeries, experimental procedures on rodentsAnimal husbandry, daily care, and monitoring of laboratory animals

While both roles involve working with laboratory rodents, the Rodent Surgery Researcher specializes in performing surgical procedures and experimental interventions, requiring surgical skills and related certifications. In contrast, the Laboratory Animal Technician focuses on daily animal care, monitoring, and maintaining animal health. Both roles are essential in research settings but differ in their primary responsibilities and skill requirements.

More about Rodent Surgery Researcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Rodent Surgery Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Rodent Surgery Researcher job openings:
What states have the most Rodent Surgery Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Rodent Surgery Researcher jobs include:
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Rodent Surgery Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rodent Surgery Researcher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 27% Locum Tenens, 65% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Laboratory Animal Veterinarian

Laboratory Animal Veterinarian

RPM ReSearch

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Clinical Veterinarian – Opportunity in Laboratory Animal Medicine

Location: Indianapolis, IN (Advanced Rodent Surgical Research Facilities)

Travel: Required to other Indiana sites; optional out-of-state travel opportunities

Are you a companion animal veterinarian or an early-career laboratory animal vet seeking a meaningful, mission-driven role? At our Indianapolis research hubs, you'll join a passionate team working at the intersection of animal care and scientific advancement.

Our two advanced rodent surgical units in Indianapolis are integral to our nationwide network. These state-of-the-art facilities specialize in surgically modified rodent models that support cutting-edge biomedical research. As a Clinical Veterinarian, you'll play a critical role in upholding our high standards of animal care, ensuring regulatory compliance, and guiding research that shapes the future of human and animal health.

This is more than a job—it's an opportunity to transition into or grow within laboratory animal medicine while working with expert teams and contributing to research that matters.

What You'll Do:

  • Deliver high-quality veterinary care for rodent colonies in specialized surgical environments.
  • Support the welfare and biosecurity of animals used in preclinical research, including during post-op recovery and life-cycle monitoring.
  • Train and mentor technicians and animal care staff in clinical care, anesthesia, and humane handling.
  • Collaborate across departments to support the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) and foster a "Culture of Care."
  • Liaise with the IACUC, Attending Veterinarian, and Institutional Officials to ensure compliance and proactive animal health reporting.
  • Provide emergency veterinary care (after-hours/weekend/holiday) on a rotating schedule.
  • Contribute veterinary oversight to new surgical model development and provide guidance on best practices in perioperative care.
  • Participate in internal audits, AAALAC site visits, and regulatory inspections.
  • Offer veterinary support and guidance on animal procurement, transportation, nutrition, behavior, and environmental enrichment.
  • Travel to other our sites across Indiana with occasional out-of-state opportunities.

What You Bring:

  • DVM or equivalent degree; eligibility for Indiana veterinary licensure, DEA registration, and USDA Category 2 Accreditation.
  • Experience in clinical veterinary care (companion animal, lab animal, or mixed practice welcome).
  • Curiosity and passion for laboratory animal medicine, animal ethics, welfare science, or health monitoring.
  • Ability to effectively communicate across interdisciplinary teams and regulatory bodies.
  • Detail-oriented approach to clinical documentation, compliance, and care protocols.
  • Strong organizational skills, with a collaborative and proactive mindset.

Preferred (but not required):

  • Experience in rodent surgery, anesthesia, or animal production.
  • Participation in regulatory or accreditation audits.
  • Prior teaching or mentorship experience in a veterinary or technical setting.
  • ACLAM board eligibility or certification (We support career progression and board preparation).

Our Indianapolis surgical research facilities are more than just labs—they're hubs of scientific excellence, technical innovation, and compassionate care. From developing complex rodent surgical models to providing top-tier animal care, you'll be contributing directly to preclinical research that impacts real-world therapies. Our organization values its people, and we are committed to helping veterinarians grow through education, mentorship, and career development opportunities.

Whether you're entering lab animal medicine or advancing your clinical career in a new direction, we'll help you build a future that supports science, animal welfare, and personal growth.

Apply